University of Kigali

Job Purpose: The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver on an industry innovation research project where you will be part of the research team to develop a Multimodal AI for Fire Detection & Safety Systems. Key Responsibilities:  Participate in and manage the research project with Principal Investigator (PI), Collaborator and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met. Undertake these responsibilities in the project: Develop and deploy multimodal AI algorithms for fire, smoke, and hot-work detection by fusing optical, thermal/infrared, LiDAR, RADAR, and gas sensor data under varying environmental conditions. Design computer vision and human-behavior analysis models for detecting personnel, posture, casualties, and hazardous situations, including operation in low-visibility scenarios. Implement scene mapping, environment perception, and path-planning algorithms using LiDAR and RADAR data to support evacuation guidance and first-responder navigation. Build real-time predictive models for fire intensity and spread forecasting and integrate LLM-based scene description and decision support into an end-to-end deployable system. Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health Regulations. Coordinate procurement and liaison with vendors/suppliers. Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Electrical / Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a closely related discipline, with foundational knowledge in signal processing and machine learning. Working knowledge of computer vision and deep learning concepts, including object detection and image-based classification, with hands-on experience using Python and at least one deep learning framework (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow). Basic experience handling and processing sensor data (e.g., camera, thermal, LiDAR, RADAR, or similar perception sensors) in real-world or laboratory settings. Familiarity with Linux-based development environments and standard software tools for data analysis, model training, and evaluation. Ability to independently implement, test, and document applied research solutions, with prior experience through projects, internships, or research assistantships considered sufficient. Prior experience in publishing is desirable.

Are you organised, proactive and motivated to work as a key part of a small team to deliver exceptional support to research activities? We seek a dynamic individual who enjoys variety in the scope of their role and is committed to excellence. You would join our Research Office in the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS), based on our Stag Hill campus.  The Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS) is an inspirational and fascinating environment to work in and presents a wonderful backdrop for individuals to support research and to develop their skills and career. Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  The role We are actively seeking a dynamic individual to join the FABSS Faculty Research and Innovation Office (FRIO) in the role of Research Development Officer. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other professional service team members to deliver targeted support activity to the faculty's research community. Using collaborative methods and proactive service delivery, the post holder will play a pivotal role in ensuring our researchers’ bids are managed and enhanced through effective support. They will also deliver related research activities, such as workshops and information sessions. This exciting opportunity will suit a professional, enthusiastic, and well-motivated candidate keen to develop their experience or with an interest in bid development and research support across the research lifecycle. About you We are seeking a proactive, enthusiastic, and dependable individual who can thrive both as part of a team and able to work independently. This role requires strong interpersonal and organisational skills, showcasing adaptability and flexibility in managing evolving workloads and priorities. You should possess good IT skills, including MS Office and SharePoint, and must be willing to learn the different University IT systems. Experience with bid development in academic environments is advantageous but not a prerequisite. The successful candidate will be able to multitask and manage a varied workload ranging from day to day tasks such as triaging inbound queries from our researcher community, to specific bid development and project budgeting activities in coordination with the wider FRIO team. You will be capable of working autonomously and will possess a keen eye for detail. What we can offer In addition to a competitive salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 7 university closure days and 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), a generous pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery. Further Information To apply for this role please upload your CV. You will also be asked to address some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the position. For further inquiries or to discuss the role in more detail, please reach out to Liz Torrance, Research Development Manager e.torrance@surrey.ac.uk or Ivelina Yonova, Faculty Research and Innovation Manager, via i.yonova@surrey.ac.uk  Interviews will be held on campus in Guildford in early July. The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities. Further details Job Description

At the heart of SIT’s mission is to nurture industry-ready graduates equipped with deep technical expertise and transferable skills to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. SIT collaborates with industry in our education, while benefitting them with our talent supply and collaborative research achievements. The University’s unique applied learning pedagogy integrates work and study, embedding authentic learning experiences within real-world environments. Through strategic partnerships forged by our faculty with industry, learners bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application in and out of the classroom. Such active & authentic learning opportunities ensures graduates step into their careers with applicable skills and competence. In research, SIT faculty aims to bridge knowledge creation and utilisation. Our faculty collaborates closely with industry on translational research and innovation with focus on addressing pertinent industry challenges to impact businesses. The Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent (START) Scheme is co-funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SIT to encourage and support outstanding young Singaporeans interested in pursuing an academic career at SIT. The Applied Research Fellowship aims to provide doctoral candidates who are about to complete or have recently completed their studies an opportunity to engage in advanced training and/or research at an overseas university for one year. Besides financial support, awardees will also receive academic mentorship. Upon completion of the Fellowship, awardees will be considered for Assistant Professorship. Eligibility and Selection Criteria Singapore citizen Doctoral candidates who have recently completed or are about to complete their studies in a discipline under the supported areas for START below Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for selected research area Have been accepted or have applied for a postdoctoral training at a leading overseas university in a research area that is aligned with SIT’s supported areas A keen interest in an academic career Value of Fellowship The Fellowship provides: Monthly stipend Overseas maintenance allowance Return economy airfare Conference and fieldwork grants Overseas medical insurance Fellows will also each be assigned a SIT faculty mentor throughout their post-doctoral training and have opportunities to participate in faculty development programmes. The fellowship is tenable for one year. On an exception basis, a two-year programme may be supported. Service Commitment One year for every year of sponsorship. Application Process Applications are open throughout the year via the various links below. Applications received before 15 January 2026 will be considered for the 2026 intake. Interview by the respective clusters for shortlisted applicants will be conducted throughout the year.   Final Interview by the Panel for shortlisted applicants for the 2026 intake will commence in Mid-March to End April 2026. Awards will be finalised by July 2026. Supported Areas for START - Business, Communication and Design Financial and Sustainability Accounting: The measurement, reporting, and analysis of an organisation's financial performance alongside its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and carbon footprint. Integrating traditional financial accounting principles with sustainability considerations to provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive view of a company's long-term value creation. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE): The planning, management, and execution of business events, corporate gatherings, and large-scale conferences. This field is a key segment of the tourism and hospitality industry, requiring expertise in event management, business tourism, marketing, logistics, and stakeholder engagement.